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AIADMK Flooded with 10,000+ Applications for 2026 Tamil Nadu Polls

The AIADMK has received a staggering 10,175 applications from aspirants wishing to contest the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. Notably, over 2,000 applications specifically expressed a desire to contest under the leadership of former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami. The party extended its application deadline due to the overwhelming response, which it interprets as a sign of strong grassroots confidence and organizational strength. This early mobilization marks a significant shift from traditional timelines as the AIADMK begins meticulous candidate scrutiny based on winnability and local influence.

Key Points: AIADMK Gets 10,000+ Applications for 2026 Assembly Elections

  • Over 10,000 applications received
  • 2,187 seek EPS leadership
  • Deadline extended due to high response
  • Early groundwork for 2026 polls
  • Scrutiny based on winnability & influence
2 min read

AIADMK gets over 10,000 applications from aspirants ahead of 2026 Assembly elections

AIADMK receives over 10,000 applications from aspirants for the 2026 Assembly polls in TN, Kerala & Puducherry, signaling early & strong grassroots mobilization.

"The large number of applications reflects the confidence of party cadres in the leadership - AIADMK Sources"

Chennai, Jan 1

With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled to be held in a few months this year, political activity in the State has begun to intensify, and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has taken an early lead in preparations.

The party has received a total of 10,175 applications from aspirants seeking to contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, according to an official statement released by the party leadership.

Of the total applications received, 2,187 were submitted by party members and supporters specifically expressing their desire to contest the elections under the leadership of AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS).

The party noted that these applicants sought his approval and leadership for their candidature in their respective constituencies. The remaining 7,988 applications were received from aspirants intending to contest in constituencies across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala under the AIADMK banner.

Party sources said the large number of applications reflects the confidence of party cadres in the leadership and organisational structure of the AIADMK ahead of the Assembly polls this year.

The party had opened the process for receiving applications on December 15, inviting interested aspirants to submit their requests to contest on the AIADMK ticket. Initially scheduled to close on December 23, the deadline was later extended to December 31 in view of the large response from party workers and supporters across the southern states.

The move is seen as part of the AIADMK's early groundwork for the upcoming elections.

Traditionally, political parties in Tamil Nadu intensify their organisational activities only after the beginning of the new year. However, with the political climate already heating up, major parties began preparations well in advance.

Party insiders said the large number of applications indicates sustained grassroots support and organisational strength, despite political realignments in recent years.

The leadership is expected to scrutinise the applications carefully before finalising candidates, keeping in mind winnability, local influence, and organisational performance.

The AIADMK is expected to announce further steps in its election preparedness, including booth-level strengthening and alliance discussions, in the coming months as the state moves closer to the 2026 Assembly polls.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
10,000+ applications is impressive on paper, but let's be real. How many are serious contenders? Many might just be testing the waters. The party needs to filter carefully. Hope they give chances to good young leaders and women candidates, not just the usual suspects. 🤞
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Rahul R
Good to see the opposition gearing up. A strong AIADMK is necessary for a healthy democracy in TN. DMK shouldn't get complacent. However, I respectfully disagree with the article's tone that this automatically means 'sustained grassroots support'. We've seen big numbers before elections that don't translate to votes.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see applications from Kerala and Puducherry as well. Shows AIADMK is thinking beyond just Tamil Nadu. But their primary focus must be winning back TN. The alliance strategy will be key. Who will they partner with? That decision is more important than 10,000 applications.
M
Manish T
EPS anna is building the party systematically. After the split and then the reunion, this kind of mobilization was needed. Application numbers show cadre morale is high. Now party high command should do proper survey and give tickets to those who can really connect with voters. Jai AIADMK! 💛
A
Anjali F
As a voter, I don't care how many applications they get. I care about what they will do for Tamil Nadu. What is their vision for jobs, education, and women's safety? Hope this early start means they are also preparing a strong manifesto and not just doing internal politics.

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